The nine certificates every Scottish landlord is required to hold

Published 16 August 2026 · Written by the Lar founder

When we started building Lar, we went looking for a single page that listed every certificate a Scottish landlord is legally required to hold. What needs renewing, how often, and what happens if you miss one.

We could not find it.

The information exists, but it is spread across nine different pages on Scottish Government and council websites. Some are up to date. Some are not. No two use the same format.

So we built one. The Scottish Compliance Calendar is free and there is no signup. This guide is the short version.

1. Landlord Registration

Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004. Three-year renewal. Failure to register is a criminal offence with fines up to £50,000 per property and a Rent Penalty Notice that prevents you from collecting rent lawfully.

2. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Annual. No valid CP12 means you cannot lawfully let the property.

3. EICR

Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, The Repairing Standard. Every five years, or at every change of tenancy if not current. New since 2020 for the private rented sector in Scotland.

4. EPC

Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008. Valid for ten years. Required before marketing a property for let. Scotland's minimum EPC band is currently E, with a planned tightening to D under consultation.

5. Legionella Risk Assessment

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, HSE ACOP L8. No fixed statutory renewal period, but the Health and Safety Executive expects a fresh assessment when the water system or the use of the building changes. In practice, most landlord insurers expect a current one.

6. PRT Agreement

Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. Scotland's statutory tenancy type since 1 December 2017. It runs indefinitely, so there is no renewal period, but the legislation requires specific prescribed terms. Get these wrong and the tenancy still stands, but you can find yourself exposed on notice periods and grounds for repossession.

7. Tenancy Deposit Protection

Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The deposit must be lodged with an approved scheme within 30 working days of receipt. Failure carries a penalty of up to three times the deposit amount.

8. Interlinked Smoke and Heat Alarms

Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, amended February 2022. All Scottish homes, including private lets, must have interlinked smoke alarms in every living room and hallway, and a heat alarm in every kitchen. No renewal cycle, but alarms have a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval of ten years.

9. Repairing Standard

Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, Part 1. An ongoing obligation rather than a periodic one. The property must meet the Repairing Standard at the start of the tenancy and throughout its duration.

The full calendar

That is the full list.

Each entry on the Scottish Compliance Calendar includes how often it needs renewing, the legislation behind it and what can happen if you miss it. If you manage property in Scotland, bookmark it.

If we have missed something, or something changes, tell us at hello@uselar.com.

This guide is reference material, not legal advice. Statutory periods and penalties are as legislated at the time of writing; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or your solicitor.